Essex Court Chambers > London, England > Set Profile
Essex Court Chambers Offices
24 LINCOLN'S INN FIELDS
LONDON
WC2A 3EG
England
Essex Court Chambers > The Legal 500 Rankings
London Bar > Art and cultural property Tier 1
The barristers of Essex Court Chambers have been involved in prominent and high-profile cases in the field of art and cultural property, including cases of fraud, negligence and contractual disputes. Joe Smouha KC, whose broad commercial practice includes heavyweight disputes in the art world, has been involved in a number of high-profile cases recently, including the Bouvier v Rybolovlev case.Work highlights
London Bar > Commercial litigation Tier 1
Fielding ‘one of the very finest groups of barristers around‘, Essex Court Chambers is a ‘go-to set for anything important or high-value‘. In recent highlights, Joe Smouha KC, leading Ciaran Keller, represented the government of Mozambique in the “Tuna bond case”, its claim against Credit Suisse concerning government-backed loans that were arranged by Credit Suisse and pushed Mozambique into a debt crisis. In The Federal Republic of Nigeria v. Process & Industrial Developments Ltd, Tom Ford was instructed as the most senior junior for Nigeria, which seeks to set aside an $11bn award, on the basis that it and the underlying contract were the result of a massive fraud. Ruth den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, was elevated to silk status in March 2023; and in November 2022, commercial dispute resolution junior Matthieu Gregoire joined from 4 New Square Chambers.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
2023 Silks
2024 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Katie Myles, in particular, stands out – she is extremely personable, responsive, and efficient at servicing clients’ needs.’
‘Essex Court is a phenomenal set. The quality of the members is unparalleled and this is matched by a fantastic clerking team, led by Joe Ferrigno. A go-to set for anything important or high-value.’
‘The service is invariably excellent, both overall and from the clerks’ room.‘
‘Kevin Grubb is an outstanding diplomat and negotiator.’
‘One of the very finest groups of barristers around.‘
‘Clients receive a superlative level of service from the clerks at Essex Court Chambers.‘
‘Extremely user-friendly clerking team.‘
‘Essex Court Chambers is simply the best of the best.‘
Work highlights
London Bar > Fraud: civil Tier 1
With ‘a deep roster of highly-skilled barristers‘, Essex Court Chambers ‘boasts remarkable strength-in-depth, allowing it to handle a wide range of complex cases with expertise and confidence‘. The set’s members consistently appear in the largest fraud cases before the Commercial and Chancery Courts, and at appellate level, both at home and abroad. In Suppipat v Narongdeg & Ors, reportedly the largest Commercial Court case of 2022, Anna Dilnot KC acted for Khunying Boonyachinda, Golden Music and Cornwallis in defence of contempt proceedings, against a backdrop of an alleged conspiracy to defraud the claimants of over a billion dollars of shares in a Thai wind farm company. In a $800m claim arising out of the alleged bribery of the former Kuwaiti social security fund head, David Davies KC is defending a former senior partner of Swiss private bank, Banque Mirabaud. In March 2023, Ruth Den Besten KC, who recently successfully defended Balda Foundation and Nysco Management Corporation, against a $1.2bn fraudulent misrepresentation and conspiracy claim concerning a mining venture in Guinea, took silk. Turning to the set’s juniors, Owen Lloyd and Katherine Ratcliffe also maintain active civil fraud practices.Rising stars
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
2023 Silks
2024 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Essex Court Chambers excels in litigation and advocacy.‘
‘Joe Ferrigno is a class act.‘
‘Jac Sexton and David Banks are helpful and a pleasure to deal with.‘
‘Demi Woolger and Tom Gannon are commended for their exceptional professionalism and dedication to their roles. They excel in their respective fields, demonstrating outstanding organisational skills, prompt responsiveness, and an unwavering commitment to providing top-notch client service.‘
‘Demi Woolger and Tom Gannon’s proactive approach, attention to detail, and ability to manage administrative tasks effectively contribute significantly to the smooth running of cases.‘
‘With a deep roster of highly-skilled barristers, the chambers boasts remarkable strength in depth, allowing it to handle a wide range of complex cases with expertise and confidence.‘
‘Clients benefit from the availability of counsel, ensuring prompt and personalised attention throughout the legal journey.‘
‘The barristers from Essex Court Chambers do an excellent job in civil fraud matters.‘
Work highlights
London Bar > International arbitration: counsel Tier 1
Essex Court Chambers is ‘a market leading set with an excellent line up of senior and junior counsel‘ for international arbitration work. Members are instructed as counsel to lead on the most complex, high-profile arbitrations and often politically sensitive matters, from commercial to investment treaty claims, involving the full spectrum of arbitral rules, spanning a broad geographical area and sectors. Alison Macdonald KC is representing the claimant telecom operator in Axiata Investments v Nepal, an ICSID case in concerning a disputed 22.5bn NPR (£134m) tax bill. Governments draw on Ben Juratowitch KC’s expertise for sensitive arbitrations, including an Energy Charter Treaty dispute concerning the RAFO Onești refinery in Romania. Angeline Welsh KC and Siddharth Dhar KC and took silk in March 2023, boosting the set’s senior ranks further. With expertise in international commercial arbitration, Thomas Sebastian, who is also qualified in India, joined the set in July 2023 from Monckton Chambers.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
2023 Silks
2024 Silks
Leading Juniors
Work highlights
London Bar > Public international law Tier 1
With ‘ the perfect combination of expertise and commercial awareness‘, pre-eminent public international law set Essex Court Chambers fields an outstanding portfolio of commercial and academically accomplished barristers who are highly adept at handling the full spectrum of public international law matters with particular expertise in state-versus-state disputes, land and sea territorial disputes, international trade and investment arbitrations, and state immunity issues. Alison Macdonald KC who was recently asked by the Ukrainian government to join a high-profile working group on the seizure of Russian assets to provide reparations following Russia’s 2022 invasion. Ben Juratowitch KC is representing the Gabonese government in its dispute with Equatorial Guinea in its boundary dispute over three islands. On the junior end, Amy Sander, Naomi Hart and Jackie McArthur stand out, forming parts of counsel teams in state-versus-state disputes. Thomas Sebastian, joined from Monckton Chambers in July 2023, bringing with him expertise on WTO matters.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Essex Court is an excellent Chambers for public international law.’
‘Probably the strongest London set in public international law.’
‘Really outstanding.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Banking and finance (including consumer credit) Tier 2
Essex Court Chambers' members high-profile and high-value international banking and finance litigation, with members receiving instructions from a number of magic circle and US firms. Louise Hutton KC, who is ‘calm and clear under pressure,’ has been involved in leading banking cases this year, including Stanford International Bank v HSBC, a case involving the Quincecare duty with its factual origins in Allen Stanford's Ponzi scheme. Joe Smouha KC is a notable name in this space, while Stephen Houseman KC has developed a strong cross-border practice, in areas including Singapore, Dubai and the Cayman Islands. Ciaran Keller is noted for his cross-border work on high-profile cases acting for and against banks, hedge funds and private equity. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
2024 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Essex Court are at the top of most people’s list: packed with talent.’
‘Good.’
‘The clerks have always been responsive and any issues have typically been resolved well and commercially.’
‘Clerks are excellent.’
‘Very responsive and informed.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Employment Tier 2
At Essex Court Chambers, David Craig KC is highly regarded for his excellent track record in handling complex employment litigation at all levels of the judicial system, up to the Supreme Court, and regularly appears before the Employment Tribunal in whistleblowing and discrimination claims. Andrew Hochhauser KC and Charles Ciumei KC have notable strength in handling employment disputes for companies and private individuals in the financial services sector. Recent highlights include Daniel Oudkerk KC acting as leading counsel for AstraZeneca in an application for an interim injunction to prevent a former senior executive from starting a new role at GSK; the High Court granted the injunction. Among the juniors, Jane Russell is active in cases involving sex, maternity and belief discrimination claims.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Shipping Tier 2
At Essex Court Chambers, shipping remains a core area of expertise, reflected in the set’s ongoing involvement in complex and high-profile cases along the full range of maritime disputes. Steven Berry KC continuous to be tied up in a number of major shipping cases including MT Phoenix Vanguard about the collapsed purchase of a crude oil tanker; he leads Bibek Mukherjee in this case, a junior experienced in both wet and dry shipping. The interpretation of contractual force majeure clauses in relation to sanctions lies at the core of MUR Shipping BV v RTI Ltd, handled by Nigel Eaton KC on behalf of the shipowners, where he led Adam Woolnough. Elsewhere, Philippa Hopkins KC represents insurers in The Win Win, a ship that was seized by the Indonesian Navy on allegations that she illegallty entered the country’s waters. David Walsh and Freddie Onslow are juniors with active shipping practices and are both frequently instructed by leading law firms in LMAA arbitrations and before various courts.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘The chamber is always supportive, efficient and with a kind approach. Top-class service.’
‘A strong commercial, shipping and insurance set. Many good KCs and barristers.’
‘Excellent in terms of quality and expertise.’
‘Top-notch silks.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Tax: VAT and excise Tier 2
Essex Court Chambers is home to Stephen Donnelly, who has a growing indirect tax practice that is complimented by his strengths in commercial and chancery disputes. He represented Royal Surrey NHS Trust in a judicial review regarding HMRC’s refusal to allow the trust to recover input VAT following the purchase of linear accelerators for use in radiotherapy. Roderick Cordara KC and Edward Brown KC are two silks in chambers active in this area.Rising stars
2022 Silks
Work highlights
London Bar > Energy Tier 3
For commercial litigation and international arbitration, Essex Court Chambers is ‘at the top of most people’s list: packed with talent’, and it has a strong standing in high-value energy disputes. The set is ‘a go-to on any complex dispute given the calibre of barristers, who are reliable, responsive and always liked by clients’. It has solidified its reputation as a full-service set in recent years, having added to its core strengths in arbitration and public international law, with energy and natural resources becoming a prominent part of many members’ practice. Graham Dunning KC was successful as lead counsel representing the Kurdistan Regional Government Minister of Oil and Natural Resources, in respect of a claim for more than $1.5bn relating to change of control of two blocks under PSCs in Northern Iraq. In Cairn Energy PLC v The Republic of India, Anton Dudnikov is acting for a British company seeking to enforce a $1.7bn arbitral award against India.
Leading Silks
2022 Silks
2023 Silks
Siddharth Dhar KC – Essex Court Chambers ‘Calm and unflustered, Siddharth is very willing to help out on any aspect of a case.’
Leading Juniors
Testimonials
‘Essex Court is at the top of most people’s list: packed with talent.’
‘Essex Court is a go-to on any complex dispute given the calibre of barristers. They are reliable and responsive and always liked by clients, while providing excellent advice.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Insurance and reinsurance Tier 3
Essex Court Chambers have acted in a number of well-known market disputes both in the domestic and international market involving international insurers, policyholders and brokers. David Scorey KC has acted in excess liability insurance cases, alongside domestic and international arbitrations, including the case of Pizza Express Group Limited & Subsidiary companies v Liberty Mutual Insurance Europe SE and XL Insurance Company SE which involved a non-damage business interruption claim arising out of Covid-19 lockdowns. Mark Templeman KC has been involved in a number of major market disputes, including international claims for constructive total loss. Angeline Welsh KC, Siddharth Dhar KC and Ruth Den Besten KC were all appointed silk in 2023.Leading Silks
2022 Silks
Testimonials
‘A pleasure to work with. Efficient and friendly.’
‘An excellent set, especially for coverage.’
Work highlights
London Bar > Administrative law and human rights Tier 4
Human rights matters form a key pillar of Essex Court Chambers‘ practice, often crossing over with its public international law expertise. In a prominent case highlight, Alison Macdonald KC and Amy Sander are representing the claimants in Duarte Agustinho v Portugal and others, a case brought against 33 member states of the Council of Europe, alleging that the states’ climate change policies violate their rights under articles 2, 8 and 14; the case is due to be heard before the Grand Chamber of the European Court of Human Rights. Ben Juratowitch KC is well versed in handling inter-state cases concerning human rights issues, while Edward Brown KC is regularly instructed by the British government in heavyweight human rights litigation before the English courts system.Rising stars
Leading Silks
Testimonials
‘An excellent set.’
London Bar > Data protection
London Bar > Crypto and blockchain assets
London Bar > European Union law
London Bar > Media and entertainment
London Bar > Business and regulatory crime (including global investigations)
London Bar > Insolvency
Leading Silks
2023 Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Commodities
Leading Silks
Leading Juniors
London Bar > Company
2024 Silks
London Bar > Partnership
London Bar > Competition
London Bar > Tax: personal
London Bar > International arbitration: arbitrators
Arbitrators at 24 Lincoln’s Inn Fields is ‘top notch in international arbitration’ and ‘has an outstanding roster of arbitrators’ that cater to the full spectrum of industries, most notably construction, energy, insurance and reinsurance, and shipping. Chambers, an affiliate of Essex Court Chambers, fields an impressive array of high-ranking former judges, esteemed silks, including David Mildon KC, Jeffrey Gruder KC, Iain Quirk KC, Graham Dunning KC and David Joseph KC and up-and-coming arbitrators, such as Angeline Welsh KC and Benedict Tompkins. Lord Collins is a full-time arbitrator in demand.Testimonials
‘Rachel Newman is an excellent arbitrators’ clerk. She is efficient, responsive and totally reliable.’
‘The clerks have always been very helpful in helping to organize the appointment of arbitrators.’
‘The clerks are reactive, understanding of the relevant issues and efficient.’
‘Very strong set with many experienced arbitrators’
‘Excellent set: very strong and deserved reputation in arbitration matters.’
‘Excellent.’
India - Senior Advocates > Commercial disputes Tier 3
The English Bar Offshore > The English Bar Offshore Tier 4
Leading Juniors
Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Set overview
Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Commercial
Asia Pacific - The English Bar > Shipping and commodities
Essex Court Chambers > Set Profile
Essex Court Chambers is a leading set of barristers’ chambers, specialising in commercial and financial litigation, arbitration, public law and public international law.
Members of chambers are recognised specialists in all areas of commercial law and handle disputes across the full spectrum of the business and financial world, including banking and finance, civil fraud, corporate/chancery and offshore, insurance and reinsurance, energy, trade, shipping, revenue, and employment.
Chambers is not a firm, nor are its members partners or employees. Rather, chambers is comprised of individual barristers, each of whom is a self-employed sole practitioner. Members of chambers are commonly retained by opposing sides in the same dispute, both in litigation and arbitration, with protocols in place to safeguard confidentiality. As well as acting on opposing sides, individuals appear in front of other members acting impartially as Deputy Judges or Arbitrators.
The barristers at Essex Court Chambers advise and act in disputes both in the UK and worldwide. They have a reputation for exceptional talent, top-class advocacy and a client-oriented approach.
The set: Founded in 1961, the then five members of chambers included the future judges Lord Mustill, Lord Justice Evans and Lord Justice Kerr. Other distinguished alumni include Lords Saville and Steyn, Lord Thomas (Lord Chief Justice), Lord Justice Beatson, Sir Anthony Colman, Bernard Eder (now Sir Bernard Eder), Geraldine Andrews (now Mrs Justice Andrews), Simon Bryan (now Mr Justice Bryan), Sara Cockerill (now Mrs Justice Cockerill), Richard Jacobs (now Mr Justice Jacobs), Tim Eicke (now a Judge of the European Court of Human Rights), Dame Rosalyn Higgins (former president of the International Court of Justice) and Sir Christopher Greenwood (formerly a Judge of the International Court of Justice). Essex Court Chambers continues to attract the highest calibre of recruits, and now comprises over 100 members.
Pupillage: Chambers typically offers up to four funded 12-month tenancy-seeking pupillages per year. Applications should be made via the Pupillage Gateway. Applications from both law and non-law graduates are welcomed. Applicants for pupillage are encouraged to undertake a mini-pupillage (of 1-2 days). Information about mini-pupillage, including deadlines for mini-pupillage applications and an online application form, is available at www.essexcourt.com.
Types of work undertaken: Annual market research and award ceremonies confirm that members are consistently recognised as leading individuals by clients and peers in a number of key areas, but most notably: international commercial arbitration; commercial litigation; civil fraud; public international law; VAT; energy and natural resources; insurance and reinsurance; shipping; banking and finance; commodities; employment; professional negligence; media, entertainment and sport; civil liberties and human rights; administrative and public law; agriculture; information technology; immigration; aviation; EU and competition; offshore litigation; commercial chancery; and insolvency and corporate recovery.
Main Contacts
Department | Name | Telephone | |
---|---|---|---|
Senior Clerk | Joe Ferrigno | jferrigno@essexcourt.com | 020 7147 7221 |
Deputy Senior Clerk | Ben Perry | bperry@essexcourt.com | 020 7147 7222 |
Team Leader | Jack Wood | jwood@essexcourt.com | 020 7147 7223 |
Team Leader | Katie Myles | KMyles@essexcourt.com | 020 7147 7281 |
Team Leader | Kevin Grubb | KGrubb@essexcourt.com | 020 7147 7281 |
Barrister Profiles
Photo | Name | Position | Profile |
---|---|---|---|
Lorraine Aboagye | View Profile | ||
Tim Akkouh KC | Tim is a commercial litigator, with a strong reputation for civil fraud… | View Profile | |
Rebecca Akushie | Arbitration; commercial litigation; conflict of laws; insurance and reinsurance; international commercial arbitration;… | View Profile | |
Sean Aughey | Barrister | View Profile | |
David Baker | Barrister | View Profile | |
Lucas Bastin KC | Lucas has a versatile practice across an array of practices areas, albeit… | View Profile | |
Edward Batrouney | Ed has a broad commercial practice in line with Chambers’ profile with… | View Profile | |
Mark Belshaw | Barrister | View Profile | |
Steven Berry KC | Has specialised since 1985 in the associated fields of insurance and reinsurance,… | View Profile | |
Claire Blanchard KC | Barrister. Claire Blanchard QC has a specialist commercial practice and is an… | View Profile | |
Adam Board | Adam acts and advises as counsel in commercial litigation and international arbitration… | View Profile | |
Jeremy Brier KC | Commercial barrister frequently appearing in the Commercial Court and in international arbitrations,… | View Profile | |
Edward Brown KC | Broad-ranging practice across the following practice areas: commercial litigation; employment; media, entertainment… | View Profile | |
Wei Jian Chan | Barrister | View Profile | |
Charles Ciumei KC | Has a practice covering all aspects of employment with a commercial aspect,… | View Profile | |
James Collins KC | Has a broad-based commercial practice. Recognised as clever, commercial and user-friendly, he… | View Profile | |
Roderick Cordara KC | Has a broad commercial and public law practice with over 30 years’… | View Profile | |
David Craig KC | With a “reputation for handling high-stakes cases”, “revered practitioner” David Craig KC has a rich… | View Profile | |
Stuart Cribb | Stuart is first and foremost a commercial litigator. He is an experienced… | View Profile | |
Simon Crookenden KC | Shipping: charterparty and bills of lading disputes; cargo claims; ship building; ship… | View Profile | |
Prof Paul Davies | Paul is Professor of Commercial Law at UCL, having previously been a… | View Profile | |
Huw Davies KC | Experienced and effective cross examiner with ‘an incredibly impressive style and approach’… | View Profile | |
Ruth Den Besten | Ruth den Besten was appointed KC in 2023 and has substantial expertise… | View Profile | |
Siddharth Dhar KC | Siddharth has a broad practice in substantial commercial litigation and arbitration disputes… | View Profile | |
Anna Dilnot KC | Broad commercial and commercial chancery litigation practice with a particular speciality in… | View Profile | |
Ricky Diwan KC | Ricky Diwan QC specialises in international commercial and investment arbitration and related… | View Profile | |
Stephen Donnelly | Barrister | View Profile | |
Shane Doyle KC | Shane Doyle QC has a commercial practice covering a wide range of… | View Profile | |
Anton Dudnikov | Anton has a broad commercial practice. He is regularly instructed in international… | View Profile | |
Graham Dunning | Graham Dunning QC was until recently the co-head of Essex Court Chambers.… | View Profile | |
Nigel Eaton KC | Specialises in international and domestic commercial litigation, with a particular emphasis on… | View Profile | |
Tom Ford | Barrister | View Profile | |
Daniel Fox | Daniel has a broad commercial practice in line with Chambers’ profile. He… | View Profile | |
Matthieu Gregoire | Matthieu Gregoire specialises in commercial litigation, international commercial arbitration, and investor-state arbitration.… | View Profile | |
Jeffrey Gruder KC | Jeffrey Gruder QC is widely recognised as a leading silk at the… | View Profile | |
Naomi Hart | Naomi has a broad commercial litigation and arbitration practice. She has experience… | View Profile | |
Neil Hart KC | Specialises in the fields of insurance and reinsurance, shipping (dry and wet)… | View Profile | |
Andrew Hochhauser KC | Has a broad-based commercial practice, including a significant number of employment-related disputes… | View Profile | |
Philippa Hopkins KC | Advises and acts in a wide range of commercial disputes, both in… | View Profile | |
Stephen Houseman KC | Handles a wide range of commercial disputes. Many of his cases are… | View Profile | |
Richard Hoyle | Barrister specialising in commercial litigation and international arbitration – most matters involve… | View Profile | |
Ian Hunter | Has a broad-based commercial practice in line with chambers’ profile. A major… | View Profile | |
Sophia Hurst | Sophia has a broad commercial and chancery practice, encompassing a range of… | View Profile | |
Louise Hutton KC | Louise’s practice covers commercial and commercial/chancery litigation and arbitration, including banking and… | View Profile | |
David Joseph KC | Has acted as counsel and arbitrator in an extremely wide range of… | View Profile | |
Catherine Jung | Catherine Jung has a broad commercial practice, focusing on large-scale commercial litigation… | View Profile | |
Ben Juratowitch | Ben Juratowitch KC is widely recognised as an outstanding advocate. He serves… | View Profile | |
Ciaran Keller | Commercial and chancery litigation and arbitration (domestic and international), including: business agreements… | View Profile | |
Paul Key KC | In private practice as a barrister since 1997, specialising in international and… | View Profile | |
Prof Martin Lau | Regularly advises on South Asian law and Islamic law in the form… | View Profile | |
Andrew Legg | Andrew has a broad commercial practice in line with Chambers’ profile. He… | View Profile | |
Owen Lloyd | Barrister | View Profile | |
Christopher Lloyd | Christopher specialises in commercial and chancery litigation with an emphasis on civil… | View Profile | |
John Lockey KC | Barrister specialising in insurance, reinsurance, commercial litigation, and professional negligence including brokers’… | View Profile | |
Prof Vaughan Lowe KC | Practises as counsel in International Court of Justice, European Court of Human… | View Profile | |
Alison Macdonald KC | Barrister | View Profile | |
Jackie McArthur | Barrister | View Profile | |
Paul McGrath KC | Barrister with a broad-based practice. Between 1999 and 2001 he was editor… | View Profile | |
Hugh Mercer KC | Court and advisory advocate specialising in EU, competition, public law and cross-border… | View Profile | |
David Mildon KC | General commercial litigation and arbitration including ABCI v Banque Franco Tunisienne [2003]… | View Profile | |
Richard Millett | Specialises in: banking law, securities, debt and other financing instruments, derivatives, loan… | View Profile | |
Bibek Mukherjee | Bibek undertakes a broad range of commercial work, as both sole and… | View Profile | |
Freddie Onslow | Barrister | View Profile | |
Daniel Oudkerk KC | Daniel Oudkerk QC has a broad-based trial and advisory practice. He is… | View Profile | |
David Peters KC | Wide experience of commercial law with emphasis on general commercial litigation, civil… | View Profile | |
Nathan Pillow KC | Specialises in commercial dispute resolution. Practises in the English courts at all… | View Profile | |
Freddie Popplewell | Barrister | View Profile | |
Iain Quirk KC | Has a broad commercial practice before the English courts and in arbitration.… | View Profile | |
Katherine Ratcliffe | View Profile | ||
Claudia Renton | Claudia has a broad commercial practice with specialisms in media and entertainment… | View Profile | |
Alexander Riddiford | Alex specialises in insolvency/restructuring law, commercial dispute resolution, banking and finance (including… | View Profile | |
Mr John Robb | John specialises in commercial litigation, with a focus on banking and finance,… | View Profile | |
Jane Russell | Practises in employment and commercial law, acting for mainly city respondent clients.… | View Profile | |
Amy Sander | Amy has a broad commercial practice with a particular interest in public… | View Profile | |
Prof Dan Sarooshi KC | Professor Dan Sarooshi K.C. has a track record of achieving success in… | View Profile | |
Gretta Schumacher | Gretta is developing a broad commercial litigation and arbitration practice in line… | View Profile | |
David Scorey KC | Wide-ranging practice in international and domestic commercial law, litigating in both domestic… | View Profile | |
Thomas Sebastian | Thomas acts in complex regulatory and commercial disputes. His practice is diverse… | View Profile | |
Malcolm Shaw | Barrister focusing on public international law. Cases include: R v Mohamed Gul… | View Profile | |
James Sheehan KC | Specialist in commercial and chancery litigation and arbitration. Practice areas include civil… | View Profile | |
Christopher Smith KC | Chris Smith has a broad based practice covering all aspects of domestic… | View Profile | |
Joe Smouha | Has a broad-based commercial practice with a particular emphasis on appearances in… | View Profile | |
John Snider | Barrister practising in the following areas: shipping, insurance, arbitration (including LMAA, ICC,… | View Profile | |
Akash Sonecha | View Profile | ||
Paul Stanley | Prior to being called to the bar, Paul lectured on European Community… | View Profile | |
Luke Tattersall | Barrister | View Profile | |
Mark Templeman KC | Practises primarily in the fields of reinsurance and insurance (marine and non-marine).… | View Profile | |
Benedict Tompkins | Benedict’s practice is focused on high-value commercial litigation and arbitration, specialising in… | View Profile | |
David Walsh | Barrister with a broad commercial practice. Particularly well-known for his work in… | View Profile | |
Felix Wardle | View Profile | ||
Mubarak Waseem | Barrister | View Profile | |
Prof Philippa Watson | Has a practice in London, Dublin and Brussels. Most of her work… | View Profile | |
Peter Webster | Undertakes a broad range of commercial work, as both sole counsel and… | View Profile | |
Mr Paul Wee | Paul Choon Kiat Wee specialises in commercial litigation, international commercial arbitration, and… | View Profile | |
Jessica Wells | Has a broad commercial practice, with a particular interest in public international… | View Profile | |
Angeline Welsh | Barrister | View Profile | |
James Willan | Barrister with a broad-based commercial practice, appearing before the county courts, High… | View Profile | |
Emily Wood KC | Has a broad commercial practice in line with chambers’ profile. Focused on… | View Profile | |
Adam Woolnough | Arbitration, commercial litigation, conflict of laws, insurance and reinsurance, public international law,… | View Profile | |
Sam Wordsworth | In private practice as a barrister since 1997, specialising in public international… | View Profile |
Staff Figures
Lucy Davies : Head of Marketing Jacky Chase : Operations ManagerClient Testimonials
CLIENT: Andy McGregor, Head of Civil Fraud, RPC
TESTIMONAL: “We have been very impressed and pleased with the completely reliable round the clock service, both in London and Singapore. As you know the best work often comes in on Friday night and Saturday morning and one has to be able to deploy serious combined resources without fuss immediately. On a major multi-party energy dispute we needed to drop everything over a weekend to deliver time critical advice and a top QC and junior worked solidly for three days to get this done. Another QC/senior junior team has been deployed at short notice to great effect on an extremely sensitive contempt application where familiarisation with a huge amount of material has been required. There have been a number of other mainstream matters where everything has gone very smoothly. We consider ourselves to be in extremely capable hands with a depth of resource that can take on whatever is needed.”
CLIENT: Michael Leeds, Partner, Grant Thornton UK LLP
TESTIMONAL: “I have worked with Essex Court Chambers for a number of years now and continue to have a very positive experience in terms of both the quality of barristers that I have worked with and the support team in place.
In particular:
1 – The EC team organise a number of key technical events within the market which have been thorough in content and material. They are well organised and innovative in approach and explore topics not many other organisations look at eg Banking Disputes on insolvency cases
2 – The EC team is innovative in its approach to Business Development for example in the way it targets markets and regions eg the Offshore market, Russia and the Asset Recovery space
3 – My interactions with the support team on events have only been positive and in particular team members at the junior clerk level have pro-actively sought to build relationships with Business Development people within my team to grow a rapport at all levels
4 – When I have sought the input of the EC clerking team on identifying suitable Counsel for matters, I have found them to be adept at recommending the right people, whether they are QCs or Juniors
5 – The EC team is an effective communicator across multiple channels, especially LinkedIn and Email
6 – It is clear from everyone at EC that this is a market leading Chambers.
The service from EC Chambers goes from strength to strength and their support for our Insolvency and asset recovery and Forensics and Investigations practices is outstanding. We thoroughly enjoy working and engaging with their clerking team and their barristers and are always provided with a superb level of service.”
CLIENT: Andrew Savage, Partner, McDermott Will & Emery UK LLP
TESTIMONAL: I have found the Essex Court team to be (as ever) very responsive and attuned to the outlook of the lay client. They are excellent at identifying the right barrister for the job and always reliable. A go to set of chambers with clerks who don’t rest on their laurels.
CLIENT: Sophie Eyre, Bird and Bird LLP
TESTIMONAL: “The team at Essex Court Chambers are forward looking and client understanding. The now clear split between arbitrator clerks and barristers clerks is also of huge assistance and adds an extra layer of separation so that information barriers are all the more visible to clients.
The clerks recognise the pressure solicitors are often put under by clients and the budgetary constraints and various fee structures that we are required to work with now. They are always creative and find counsel that not only specialise in the issues but who culturally suit the client/solicitors.
TESTIMONAL: Joe Ferrigno and his team are a modern group with clear value add above other sets and whose modus operandi is to build long term relationships with solicitors.”
CLIENT: Rupert Boswall, Senior Partner, RPC
TESTIMONAL: “Essex Court’s stellar reputation is driven to a large extent by having a clerking team that is head and shoulders above the competition. Joe and his team are always commercial and a joy to work with.”
CLIENT: Kambiz Larizadeh, Partner, Akin Gump
TESTIMONAL: “Choice of counsel is a very important decision in any significant piece of litigation. A good clerking team is an integral part of that decision-making process and also in ensuring that, once made, the counsel team provide the best possible client service. The clerking team at Essex Court Chambers, led by Joe Ferrigno, is without question the premier clerking team in London, in a crowded field. They are reliable, provide excellent judgment and advice in choice of counsel, and help effectively to co-ordinate with the Courts to administer client cases. All of which enables solicitors to meet and manage client expectations. The team goes from strength to strength, and is one of the key reasons I keep coming back to Essex Court time and time again.”
Diversity
Members of Essex Court Chambers are involved in a variety of initiatives for the furtherance of equality and diversity and promoting access to the legal profession and to the bar. Examples of these include:
The Social Mobility Foundation
For the last five years, Essex Court Chambers has been an official supporter of the Social Mobility Foundation, and a large number of members of Chambers are regularly involved in running workshops and activities for students identified by the Social Mobility Foundation. Essex Court Chambers was the first (and still the only) chambers to become an official supporter of the Social Mobility Foundation. One of the key focuses of the Social Mobility Foundation is to support talented students from non-traditional backgrounds to focus on both thinking about careers and university choices whilst at school, and to support students in these endeavours. Supporting the Social Mobility Foundation came as part of a recognition by members of chambers that more needs to be done, far earlier in the recruitment process, and with a long term focus: supporting talented students to achieve their potential at school and university, enabling them to be the barristers of the future. Members of Chambers run at least four events per year with the Social Mobility Foundation, including a public speaking workshop for sixth form students, a mooting workshop for students at university, attending the Social Mobility Foundations career events, giving feedback on draft personal statements for university law degree applications, and providing mock university law interviews.
Mentoring Scheme
Essex Court Chambers is one of six Barristers’ Chambers who created a mentoring scheme for underrepresented groups at the Bar. The mentoring scheme, aims to support and encourage individuals from groups which are underrepresented at the Bar of England and Wales (and in particular the commercial bar) to pursue careers as barristers. Those underrepresented groups include women; people from minority ethnic backgrounds; people with disabilities; LGBT+ people; people who spent time in care; and people from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds.
Outreach
Outreach to potential candidates to widen the pool of potential applicants, for instance sponsoring QMUL’s diversity event, providing speakers or participants to student events, providing mentors for students as part of the KCL Bar & Mooting Society’s Social Mobility Mentors Scheme, putting on student open days, assisting with the Bar Council’s Bar Placement Week, participating in the Inner Temple’s Pegasus Access and Support Scheme. In 2019, one of our current pupils, Lorraine Aboagye, spoke as a panelist for BME Legal, which caters to aspiring barristers from a black/minority and/or low socio-economic background, providing support, one-to-one mentoring and workshops on the pupillage process. The event was a workshop on networking tips and tricks, and general pupillage application advice.
COMBAR
Assisting with the work of COMBAR, the specialist bar association for the commercial bar, which has recently been supporting a series of diversity events with ‘Cake and Counsel’ in Birmingham and London with an emphasis on informal networking with aspiring lawyers. Several members of chambers are involved in COMBAR’s governance, and Bibek Mukherjee is a member of the Junior COMBAR Committee.
Annual Student Open Day
Essex Court Chambers led the way in introducing an annual student open day, in addition to traditional mini-pupillages, as a way of running an event specifically focused on giving students an opportunity to learn about the different areas of the bar and the routes to the bar, the available scholarships and financial support and where they are encouraged to freely ask questions and meet current members of Chambers. This annual event has proved very popular, including attracting many students not yet studying law and attracting equal numbers of male and female students.
Pro Bono
Members of Chambers regularly undertake pro bono work, including via the Bar Pro Bono Unit and the Employment Law Appeal Advice Scheme (“ELAAS”). Notable pro bono cases undertaken by members of Chambers include appearing in the Supreme Court in (1) Jivraj v Hashwani, in which the Supreme Court held that an arbitrator was not a person “employed” within the Employment Equality (Religion or Belief) Regulations 2003; and (2) Bates van Winkelhof v Clyde & Co LLP, in which the Supreme Court held that members of limited liability partnerships are workers for the purposes of whistleblowing protection. Further information on pro-bono work undertaken by members of Essex Court Chambers can be found on individual members’ CVs. In addition to arguing cases pro bono, many members of Essex Court Chambers are individually involved in supporting charitable causes, including working with legal advice clinics and acting as trustees. In 2019 Essex Court Chambers was acknowledged as a Gold Patron of the Bar Pro Bono Unit.
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